| The purpose of this study was to explore the coping experiences of women living with breast cancer. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, stories were collected of eight women living with breast cancer for at least five years since diagnosis without recurrence. Participants took part in a semi-structured interview with the researcher and were asked to describe their experiences coping with breast cancer. Categories of themes which emerged from the data included: Coping as a Process, Coping with Vulnerability, Getting and Giving Support, Promoting Personal Health, and Learning from Breast Cancer. Findings from this study will benefit nurses in beginning to understand their role in caring for women living with breast cancer. Providing opportunities to share stories of coping with an illness such as breast cancer, benefits women through validation of their thoughts and feelings, and is important for women in general. |
